Ryde Skate Park
Ryde Skate Park had it's official opening today 14th April 2011, after a long history of hit and miss usage.
It has been a labour of love of of not only the users, but Ryde Town Council and all the supporters who have worked so hard to re-build the park after it fell into disrepair under the County Councils management.
The Skate Park was packed today with people of all ages, and the skill the users showed was tremendous. I was a little worried as to what to expect, as I haven't seen the park in official use for a while and was unsure as to what I would see. Well I was so pleased I accepted the invitation from Ryde Town Council to come and photograph the event.
The young people were using either BMX's, Skateboards or Micro-Scooters (AKA Blades) their skills were outstanding, and as a skateboarder from the late 70s this was nothing like the downhill runs I did as a teenager!. I must apologise here, because I do not know the names of the stunts, but there were jumps, side skids, flips, super men, drops, spins and loads more. These youngsters entertained at a high level and I'm sure that some of them are destined for championship level contests.
The morning started off with the park being used in every corner, with the youngsters chatting, discussing skills and generally cheering each other along. The Music was a bit late coming with a few technical hitches which were soon sorted out by Ian Stevens and his team. Arron was DJ for the day and he did a brilliant job.
By 12.30 the Ryde Town Mayor, Councillors and Police had arrivedfor the official opening. With a speech made by the Town Mayor, who praised the hard work of the contractors, the steering group, James and his crew and of course the users.
The Mayor's Speech
'Good afternoon,
I'm Dave Knowles, Mayor of Ryde and long time supporter and friend of this park. It's great to see so many users and other supporters here today in what is going to be a great opportunity to see lots of skill, action and bravery!
As many of you know the local Town Council recently took on the lease of the park from the Isle of Wight Council and as you can see the Town Council is fully committed to working in partnership with users, the community and specialist contractors to make this park a facility for young people that the town can be proud of. We have put around £15,000 aside from our budget to under take repairs and improvements to the park, and hope to work with users to raise money to ensure on going maintenance and future improvements.
However we wouldn't all be here today if it wasn't for the support, vision and enthusiasm of users, Ryde Youth Centre and others. Much energy and time was spent in working with designers and users to create this fantastic and unique timber structure following the collapse of the original park a few years ago.
During the design and building process the User Group worked hard to raise funds and seek sponsorship. Key supporters were Moreys, Dulax, The Southern Co-operative, Ryde Lions, Inflight peripherals, Youth Opportunities Fund, Hampshire Police,DMR Engineering, Bardon Vectis, Kevin Rann Civil Engineers and the Town Council, and not forgetting all the individuals and users who have given their time, energy and commitment to this project. Thank you also to today's organisers and sponsors, James Sumner, TAV Cycles, John Cattle from Wight Trash, Cliff Church from Revolver.
And last but not least special mention must go to international renowned woodworking specialist Guido Oakley for his passion and craftsmanship over the years.
So a big thank-you all for coming down and supporting this facility today - if you able to please give a donation - all moneys will be spent on improving the park.'
You can see an album of images on Flickr, The images are available without a watermark on them for sale by e-mailing info@iloveryde.com
The Flickr Ryde Skate Park images can be seen using this link
The Ryde Skate Park have a website www.rydeskatepark.com
